Ragamuffin is a domestic cat breed. It is one of the largest breeds of cat. They are very adorable. Ragamuffin’s large expressive eyes and sweet nature just begging you to come closer.
Overview: Ragamuffin Cat Breed
Some people believe that Ragamuffin cat is the cousin of Ragdoll cat. Ragamuffins and Ragdolls are two separate breeds. You can find some differences in their face. Ragamuffin cat was probably created by crossing long haired breeds such as Persians, Birmans, Turkish Angoras and long haired domestic cats. Large size, sweet expression large walnut-shaped eyes that can be any color and variety of colors and patterns is their main characteristic.
One of the interesting facts about Ragamuffin cat breed is that their kittens are born white but day by day they develop their color or pattern. When they fully mature they gain their original color. They follow the family member wherever they go. Ragamuffin suited easily to any home and love those people who will love him. They have outgoing nature and prefer a good travel companion. Ragamuffin cat can even learn to walk on a leash. Keep them indoors to protect from vehicles and attacks from other wild animals.
History
In the 1960s a cat named Josephine was injured in a car accident. It was a regular non-pedigreed white domestic long hair cat. Before accident, it had produced several typical type kittens. After accident, it was taken to a laboratory at the University of California. After recovery her next little produce exceptionally friendly kittens. The next litter also produce more of the same. Then Mrs. Ann Baker, an established cat breeder purchased several kittens from the owner. Those are now known as the ”Ragdoll”.
In 1970 Ann Baker decided to overrun traditional cat breeding association. She set up her own registry International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) for a new line of cats unrelated to the original Ragdoll. She imposed stringent standards on anyone who wanted to breed or sell cats under that name. But they were also not allowed to be registered in other breed association.
In 1994 a group of ICRA breeders left from their own group for increasing strict breeding restriction. They renamed their stock of ICRA Ragdoll cats as “Ragamuffins”. For making better the breed’s health behavior and personality it was crossed to Persians, Himalayan and domestic long haired cats. The first cat association to create the breed was the United Feline Organization (UFO )
Physical Appearance
Ragamuffins are the muscular heavy breed of cat. It needs four to five years for full maturity. The head is broad with a moderately rounded forehead. Its chest is broad with a rectangular body. It has a heavy muscling in the hindquarters. It should have a fatty pad in the lower abdomen. Its wool is slightly longer around the neck and outer edges of the face. This makes a ruff appearance. The coat on the sides and stomach being medium to medium long.
Every color is found in Ragamuffins, pure white is rarer than others. So they have a greater demand. Male cats weighs between (15-20 ) pounds and females weigh between ( 10-15 ) pounds. The breed commonly lives for 13 or more years. They have large, expressive eyes. Their eyes are generally: Amber, Green, Blue, Hazel, Gold, Odd-eyed.
Personality
Ragamuffins are very friendly, attentive and affectionate. It has a tendency to go limp when held. They enjoy playing and climbing. Some will even run after and retrieve toys. They feel more comfortable around the people and bond easily. They are friendly toward strangers. Ragamuffins give a curious glance or a playful approach to the stranger. Some hide under furniture or to another room when see a stranger. Kittens respond better than an adult to the strangers. They are very friendly towards other household animals. They accept easily other pets in the home and make friends with them.
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Children And Other Pets
Ragamuffin is an ideal family cat for his calm and even-tempered nature. They are very smart and playful and like to play fetch. They are learning tricks easily. The Ragamuffin is also friendly toward other pets, including cat friendly dogs, other pet cats, birds, lizards and rodents. They have a good energy level. Everyone is his friend for his gentle giant. They never mind being held or carried around by children and pushed in a baby buggy.
CARE
Ragamuffin’s coat is long with a tangle-resistant texture. Weekly brushing is needed. It will remove the dead hairs and keep it clean and beautiful. Brushing their teeth will prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is the best. Weekly brushing is better.
Cut their nails every couple of weeks. Swapping of the corners of eyes is necessary of the corners of eyes is necessary. The swap should be done with a soft damp cloth. A separate area of cloth should be used for swapping two different eyes. This will prevent the risk of spreading any infection.
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Its ear should be checked weekly. Their ears will clean with cotton ball or soft damp cloth with a mixture of 50-50 cider vinegar and warm water. It should not allow to go out of home along. Keep them indoors to protect from vehicles and attacks from other wild animals.
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